that pope john paul ii really needed him and wanted him around and discouraged him from those very thoughts. it is said that he will be leaving that congregation of cloistered nuns in the vatican. there he will pray and probably write. bill. >> bill: amy kellogg, thank you. reportingreporting from rome lie tonight in that fox report. president obama's offering appreciation and prayers for the pope. now he and the first lady have warm memories of their meeting with the holy father in 2009 at the time a spokesman said the pope was very impressed with the president and for his part the president said he looked forward to a very strong relationship between the united states and the vatican. today, the president said in part, quote: the church plays a critical role in the united states and the world and i wish the best of those who will soon gather to choose his holiness pope benedict the xvith successor. house speaker john boehner said the prayers and gratitude of american catholics are with pope benedict xvi today. our team fox coverage continues. "the fox report's" correspondent jonathan hunt